Like other heavy equipment operators, bulldozer operators have excellent career prospects in public and private construction, with faster than average growth expected from 2010 to 2020. Math, science and vocational courses, such as auto repair and machine shop, are common high school subjects that contribute to your success in this field. Training programs that prepare you to become a bulldozer operator often require a high school diploma for admission. After you complete your training courses, you might need to meet certification standards and obtain a special driver’s license, depending on your state’s regulations.

Apprenticeships

Find a heavy equipment or operating engineer apprenticeship program by contacting the Associated General Contractors of America, large construction companies or relevant unions such as the International Union of Operating Engineers. Your state labor department is likely to have information about apprenticeships and might be a participating co-sponsor.

Apply for acceptance into a structured program that lets you complete classroom exercises and use actual construction equipment under the supervision of an experienced operator. Depending on the sponsoring body, heavy equipment apprenticeships last three or four years.

Earn while you learn by completing 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 144 hours of coursework annually, during the apprenticeship. Successful completion of your apprenticeship prepares you for journeyman status, which your state might require for you to operate a bulldozer.

Military Training

Enlist in the military to receive on-the-job training. The Army and Navy both have training courses for heavy equipment operators.

Finish your military course in one to three months. In addition to classroom instruction, these courses provide practice time on construction equipment, which can include a combination of bulldozer operations and simulation.

Keep your military heavy equipment certification valid during your tour of duty by applying for and working on construction projects. Use your military experience to obtain private or public sector employment.

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